Architecture is a form of Art and design which is a combination of art and design which is used to construct manmade structures such as buildings, planning of cities, furniture etc. It can be applied to all forms of art which involve designing and construction.
Architecture is concerned and is responsible for the outward beauty and appearance of the structure as a whole as well as well as for its function in terms of its usefulness and purpose. An architect’s efficiency involves giving more importance to the function as compared to the form. For eg- A hostel for the students of educational institutes must be able to fulfill its purpose of housing the students which often look for convenient and smaller accommodations which offers them enough place to study and relax , associating beauty to such places can be termed as irrelevant.
Career options in the field of Architecture
The main chore of an architect involves designing and executing the plan for construction of any building, institute, or area. The job starts with selecting the site, field research and supervising quality control, estimating and costing, supervision of construction work, interior decoration etc. The architect is the person who on a whole is in charge for construction- his responsibility begins right from the designing and planning of the structure until the same is erected with efficiency in form as well as function.
An Architectural person requires being able to communicate ideas visually to their clients. The layout and sketches of proposed structures should be presented according to the requirements as well as the objectives of the client. Once the plans are finalized and accepted by the client, the architect should obtain the approval and permission of the local authority for construction of the structure. Apart from this, it is the architects who bring together the participation of all the specialists concerned in the building development.
With the growing growth in country’s industrial and economic activities, the employment opportunities for architects, both in the public and private sectors are tremendously on an increase. Architects also have an option of being employed in industrial ventures, consultancy and private architectural firms etc.
The most privileged scope in the field of architecture is private practice. With a few of experience in an organisation, the architects can set up their own business. Architectural practices or individual architect’s cal also opt as a specialist and choose to specialize in one of a number of areas of structural designing such as housing, hospital or educational facilities.
Educational Qualifications and Training
In order to become an architect, it is necessary for to earn at least a bachelor’s degree. It is also necessary to complete at least a 3-year internship before taking the architecture licensing exam after graduation.
Architects should have a professional degree from a recognized institution of Architecture. The knowledge and added aptitude for math and excellent written and verbal communication skills is an added advantage in this competitive field. A person wanting to opt for a career in Architecture should be willing to work closely with clients, engineers, and designers during all phases of the projects.
Most employers’ look at employing candidates with either of the degrees of bachelor’s of Architecture, masters of Architecture or candidates with doctors of Architecture documents. A candidate with internship experience holds higher chances of jobs from employers. A personal portfolio is a must for all candidates applying for a job in this field at all stages.
The person looking at Architecture as career option should be highly creative organized and a highly patient person who is willing to take efforts to understand and interpret the technical aspects involved in a particular project.
A person wanting to opt for a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) program, has to focus on studying architectural history and theory, large as well as small structure design, documentation of Architectural designs , and universal design for the disabled for people with special needs. Courses in the Bachelor degree of Architecture include instructions to be aware of in the use of drafting tools and computer-aided drafting software. It takes 5 yrs to complete this program and it’s necessary to gain professional work experience or internship in paid or unpaid form in design studios gaining added professional on hand work experience.
Master of Architecture (M.Arch) programs provides opportunity to students holding a bachelor’s degree in any field to opt for this career option. Like undergraduate architectural studies, the Master of Architectural program helps interns gain paid, professional work experience in the field and faculty-supervised studio work experience to polish the existing skills. These professional courses focus mainly on design, building, engineering, construction and project management.
A doctorate of Architectural program is not a must to become an architect, but it can provide options to teach as a faculty for a reputed Architectural institute or to work as a researcher in the same field. A Doctor of Architecture (D.Arch) degree program generally accepts students with bachelors or master’s degrees in the field. Some doctoral programs offer an option of being able to study a combination of undergraduate and graduate level in which students can enroll straight out of high school. Doctorate programs in architecture offer advanced study of architectural theory and research methodology.
Internships are intended to providing first hand work knowledge experience to provide a bridge from school to professional practice. Interns are expected to maintain work reports that document their experience and to also prepare a professional portfolio of their personal work.
The qualifications required to gain Architectural License varies from state to state. After completing internship period, architects must pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) which focuses on testing the architect’s knowledge of constructing, planning and structuring safe buildings.
Added skills required to opt for a career in the field of Architecture
- Good Visualization skills
- Designing and planning structures as per the form as well as the function of the structure.
- Conceptual problem solving skills
- Sustainability and problem solving skills
- Eagerness to learn at all stages
- Strong commitment power
- Team working skills are a must
- Willingness to travel and be away for site visits.
- Responsible and competitive professional
- Long working hours etc.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Good presentation skills and an imaginative and creative mind.
- Efficient computer aided skills
If you have this wide range of skills and talents you can opt to start afresh in this field of Architecture which is promising as well as creatively satisfying being able to display it to the masses.
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